Leander vs. Garland

[LeanderLions3033]

Leander is riding a 9 game winning streak, and their defense has been playing solid. Garland just came off of a win over Longview, one of the regions favorites. Who will win this game and why? I've never seen Garland play before. What kind of offense/defense do they run. Who are their stud players (outside of UT commit Malcolm Williams).

[rantanamo]

Garland runs half wing-T, half spread. Lots of short routes and a few fades. Two tall fast recievers(David Little and Malcolm Williams, but lots of rotation with other players). A powerful runner and a more finesse runner with power(if he's healthy next week) in the backfield. The QB is pretty accurate on what they run, and has enough escapability to hurt you if you don't pay attention. I'd call them explosive in the sense, you never know when their rotation is just right that their serious athletes hit the field at the same time. When they do, they can score quickly. Likely the fastest team you'll see all year. Defensively, the defensive line looks good unless you run the option. Really speedy secondary. I disagree with the assessment a Longview fan had of the Garland secondary. The only real passing success was one blown assignment and a two minute drill. A consistent team will destroy Garland assuming they don't answer every score(which they can do). Garland will rotate itself out of the playoffs.

[Leander 6136]

Garland runs half wing-T, half spread. Lots of short routes and a few fades. Two tall fast recievers(David Little and Malcolm Williams, but lots of rotation with other players). A powerful runner and a more finesse runner with power(if he's healthy next week) in the backfield. The QB is pretty accurate on what they run, and has enough escapability to hurt you if you don't pay attention. I'd call them explosive in the sense, you never know when their rotation is just right that their serious athletes hit the field at the same time. When they do, they can score quickly. Likely the fastest team you'll see all year. Defensively, the defensive line looks good unless you run the option. Really speedy secondary. I disagree with the assessment a Longview fan had of the Garland secondary. The only real passing success was one blown assignment and a two minute drill. A consistent team will destroy Garland assuming they don't answer every score(which they can do). Garland will rotate itself out of the playoffs.
Sounds like we are in for another tough game. The bottom half of reg II seems to be really tough Leander, Klein Forest, Garland, and Longview were all 9-2 heading into yesterdays games and features very fast athletic players. Looking forward to a good game next Sat at Waco I.S.D.

[grayowl60]

Sounds like we are in for another tough game. The bottom half of reg II seems to be really tough Leander, Klein Forest, Garland, and Longview were all 9-2 heading into yesterdays games and features very fast athletic players. Looking forward to a good game next Sat at Waco I.S.D.
What time is the game? Is it still TBA?:confused:

[Leander 6136]

What time is the game? Is it still TBA?:confused:
7:00 or 7:30 I can't remember which. This must have been agreed upon by all 4 teams b4 any games were played cuz I heard this a week ago and it was confirmed to the boys by Coach Gideon last night.

[protect_this_house]

Big congrats to Leander on the win over KF. As a KF fan, I knew it was going to be a battle! KF came into the game a 20 point underdog but played, at times, well enough to win the game. You could see the flashes that KF has shown all year, but some big penalties & that snap over the punters head proved to be difficult to overcome. 3 or 4 of Leander's scores came on short fields. Not being able to score more than 3 on those two early 3rd quarter trips into the red zone hurt as well. KF could have concievably tied it & taken the lead on those two trips but big props to Leander's D for standing up in a critical time. Josh McKinnley was dang near unstoppable for Leander. I can't imagine that there are many QB's in the state that are as dangerous as a runner, passer, & scambler as he is.

There was some hard hitting & high tension between the two teams, but hardly anything that could be called dirty play. I think both teams showed a great deal of respect for one another.

BEST OF LUCK TO LEANDER IN THE NEXT ROUND. The KF fans will be pulling for you guys. I hope we get to see you guys again next season!!!

[Leander 6136]

Big congrats to Leander on the win over KF. As a KF fan, I knew it was going to be a battle! KF came into the game a 20 point underdog but played, at times, well enough to win the game. You could see the flashes that KF has shown all year, but some big penalties & that snap over the punters head proved to be difficult to overcome. 3 or 4 of Leander's scores came on short fields. Not being able to score more than 3 on those two early 3rd quarter trips into the red zone hurt as well. KF could have concievably tied it & taken the lead on those two trips but big props to Leander's D for standing up in a critical time. Josh McKinnley was dang near unstoppable for Leander. I can't imagine that there are many QB's in the state that are as dangerous as a runner, passer, & scambler as he is.

There was some hard hitting & high tension between the two teams, but hardly anything that could be called dirty play. I think both teams showed a great deal of respect for one another.

BEST OF LUCK TO LEANDER IN THE NEXT ROUND. The KF fans will be pulling for you guys. I hope we get to see you guys again next season!!!

I agree. Most of the unsportsman like calls were for talking not cheap shots. I didn't hear KF was a 20 point underdog, I actually thought it was a pretty good match-up between two talented teams. The Garland game should be the same. Two good teams matching up.

[gold32007]

I personaly am looking forward to a gr8 game between us. Im a senior at garland and i think that this will prolly be the hardest game we've had all year and i think that if we come out and play a good game and get all of our starters healthy we will be able to pull this off. We are comeing off a huge underdog win vs Longview and i really think if we can take that wind we can pull off a win but its going to be a really good battle.:) :D

[Black&Gold06]

I think Garland needs to open up its offense a little more with the passing and get the ball to Malcolm more. Hopefully Dwight is a little healthier this coming week. Good idea to put Marquis at DT on goaline type situations.

[Cowboys24]

Leander's QB is a baller. He burnt off on the Klein Forest D last night.

[GarlandOwl06]

Do not know much about Leander besides the fact the Paul Thompson went there :D but the Garland offense will obviously need to put out a much better performance to win. Any team in the third round is no joke so we will need to come ready to play. It is good that we have some starters who were able to play at waco isd stadium last year against cove so they kinda know what can happen in this type of game.

Malcolm needs to start getting more touches on offense as we have seen he can break games open with one touch. Good news to see Dwight and Chauncey both playing. They both looked much healthier than they did the week before and hopefully with another week of rest they can recover even more. Getting Dwight back in the defensive and especially the offensive backfield will help out tremendously especially on the O side.

Great job of having only 3 penalties showing they were focused all week......the thing that needs the most work now is execution and consistancy on offense

[leanderdad]

Looking forward to a great day of football in Waco. I will go watch RR and Allen at 2 and then get ready for Garland vs. Leander at 7. Good luck to all teams and lets have some fun.

[garlandowl08]

This site is now reporting Floyd Casey...does anyone know any actual facts?

[garlandowl08]

I take that back:

Congratulations to the Owl Football Team!

We are now Area Champions after our thrilling 24-21 victory over Longview on Saturday night in Texas Stadium! Our record for the year is
10-2 and we have won 8 games in a row! This is the first time since
1963-1964 that the Owls have won 10 games and advanced to the third round of the playoffs in consecutive seasons! With a win this week, we will become only the third Owl team in the last 28 years to win 11 games in a season. (11 wins in 1978 and 15 wins in 1999)

We will play our third round playoff game against Leander in Waco ISD Stadium at 7:00 this Saturday night! Tickets will be available in the front office and at the Athletic Department. We will be the visiting team. Thanks for your support! We will see everyone at the Square late Saturday night!

WE WILL WIN!

Jeff Jordan
Head Football Coach
Garland High School

Per Garlandowls.com

[garlandowl08]

Freakin awesome. I did not want to go to Waco ISD Stadium (again) and I did not want to be the vistors (again) oh well...I think my Owls can pull it out anyway!

[GHS'92inKY]

Looks like it will be 7pm Saturday at Waco ISD. I got this from the football page at www.garlandowls.com.

[owlfan 1]

Playoff time is always fun because we get all sorts of new Owl posters - welcome to all!

Garland will need an even better performance this week if they want to be in this game late. I still don't understand what exactly we are trying to do on offense. It is really hard to be critical before a third round playoff game, but with all the speed and firepower we have... oh well, its a dead horse by now.

I would like to remind everyone what one rather wise poster said following the sickening loss to Rockwall...

He said that no one will judge this team or remember this year based on what happens in September, but on what happens in November and December.

Garland has heart. Is it enough to beat a great team like Leander? Time will tell, but I for one love to watch this team play. They play with heart and they fight like hell and they don't want to let each other down. And they believe.

Another week of Owl football. Christmas shopping and playoff prepping. Can it get any better!

Anyone know where one can go to see video of Leander? Are their games posted anywhere? Clips?

This is for the Leander coaches (and, admittidly, blatantly ripped off from a poster on another site): Look into my eyes :eek: ... Repeat this phrase: You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm...

[GoOwls]

Playoff time is always fun because we get all sorts of new Owl posters - welcome to all!

Garland will need an even better performance this week if they want to be in this game late. I still don't understand what exactly we are trying to do on offense. It is really hard to be critical before a third round playoff game, but with all the speed and firepower we have... oh well, its a dead horse by now.

I would like to remind everyone what one rather wise poster said following the sickening loss to Rockwall...

He said that no one will judge this team or remember this year based on what happens in September, but on what happens in November and December.

Garland has heart. Is it enough to beat a great team like Leander? Time will tell, but I for one love to watch this team play. They play with heart and they fight like hell and they don't want to let each other down. And they believe.

Another week of Owl football. Christmas shopping and playoff prepping. Can it get any better!

Anyone know where one can go to see video of Leander? Are their games posted anywhere? Clips?

This is for the Leander coaches (and, admittidly, blatantly ripped off from a poster on another site): Look into my eyes :eek: ... Repeat this phrase: You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm...

If we lose and Malcom doesn't have at least 10 touches RUNNING the ball, then the coaches are to blame. Not getting the ball in his hands more will be the ultimate demise of this team, and if they can't pass it to him, then you got to give him his touches at RB.

[Leander 6136]

Originally Posted by owlfan 1


Anyone know where one can go to see video of Leander? Are their games posted anywhere? Clips?

This is for the Leander coaches (and, admittidly, blatantly ripped off from a poster on another site): Look into my eyes ... Repeat this phrase: You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm...



http://lhs.leanderisd.org/athletics/football/varsity_main.htm
There are video clips here at the Leander High School Football page. These are done by one of the technology classes. Of course they highlight mainly our strong points. Watch closely on they Bryan video and you will see one of their big lineman pancake our linebacker, lay on top of him, and as he is getting up he put his hand on the LB's head to push himself up and slams it to the turf. Brutal

[LeanderLions3033]

This is for the Leander coaches (and, admittidly, blatantly ripped off from a poster on another site): Look into my eyes ... Repeat this phrase: You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm...


I hate to break it too you, but we rarely kick it deep to anybody that we feel could take it back on us. And the fact that Malcom Williams isnt just some no name reciever from a small town and everybody in the state knows about him, i think its safe to say that he will not touch the ball on a kickoff unless it is given to him somehow. Leander has been really big on the pooch kick all year. But i'll flip the script and try and talk to the Garland coaches. Look into my eyes... Repeat this phrase: You WILL kick it deep to Curenski Gilleylen. You will kick it deep to #11...

;) :cool:

[GHSalumni]

Speaking of #11, that kid looks to have some serious speed

[MidLineOption73]

Not only is #11 fast, but he has tremendous hands. #4 is not a bad player either. Since Lufkin is out I am pulling hard for Leander the rest of the way. Go Lions.

[lovethelions]

Looking forward to a great day of football in Waco. I will go watch RR and Allen at 2 and then get ready for Garland vs. Leander at 7. Good luck to all teams and lets have some fun.

Is RR also playing at Waco ISD?

[lovethelions]

Originally Posted by owlfan 1


Anyone know where one can go to see video of Leander? Are their games posted anywhere? Clips?

This is for the Leander coaches (and, admittidly, blatantly ripped off from a poster on another site): Look into my eyes ... Repeat this phrase: You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm. You WILL kick deep to Malcolm...



http://lhs.leanderisd.org/athletics/football/varsity_main.htm
There are video clips here at the Leander High School Football page. These are done by one of the technology classes. Of course they highlight mainly our strong points. Watch closely on they Bryan video and you will see one of their big lineman pancake our linebacker, lay on top of him, and as he is getting up he put his hand on the LB's head to push himself up and slams it to the turf. Brutal
FYI: if you're using Mozilla Firefox and you are unable to see the clips, try internet Explorer Browser. ;)

[lovethelions]

Not only is #11 fast, but he has tremendous hands. #4 is not a bad player either. Since Lufkin is out I am pulling hard for Leander the rest of the way. Go Lions.

Thank you! :)

[LeanderLions3033]

Garland is usually known for having plenty of D-1 prospects. Who should we be looking out for outside of Williams?

[Leander 6136]

Leander booster club web site announced a time change on this game to 7:30

[Leander 6136]

Is RR also playing at Waco ISD?
This site has RR playing at Floyd Casey

[Black&Gold06]

#91 DE Marquis Frazier can wreck some serious havoc. #15 RB/DB/KR/PR Jacquez Caldwell is probably even faster than Malcolm Williams and finished second in the state as a sophomore in the 200m. If #2 Dwight Hamilton is back near 100% he is also extremely fast as Williams, Caldwell, hamilton were all on the 4x100m team that finished 2nd in the state last year. #4 David Little is a great second option when Malcolm receives a lot of attention. #5 Brian Johnson has good hands and has blocked 8 field goals/extra points this year.

[c-lisle]

I know nothing about Leander except they run the shotgun. As I have said before Garland was not very impressive but I still think they will beat Leander. I picked the winner of Garland/Longview to make the semis and I still think that will happen. Garland is effective when they are running short pass plays and running the ball like they did on the first drive against Longview. They went away form that and didn't get much on offense the rest of the game so I have no clue what they will do in this game. I doubt Leanders defense is as good as Longview's so that is another reason I see Garland winning.

[leanderdad]

Is RR also playing at Waco ISD?
Seems to be some confusion on the locations of the games, but both are playing in Waco on Saturday.

[owlfan 1]

Part of the reason, perhaps, that the Owls offense has seemed so muddled the past two weeks has been because of the absence of Dwight Hamilton. He really has become a difference maker this season - when you combine his speed and toughness with the moose-like power of Brooks and the blazing speed of Caldwell, the Owls offense gets a lot scarier.

Longview did a good job of covering Garland's recievers, and our coaches did not want to force anything - a turnover at the wrong time and the Owls are the ones wishing the Lobos luck this week vs. Leander. I think the coaches liked our chances if the game came down to special teams. Luckily, this turned out to be the right call. However, I know I, along with many other Owls supporters, would like to see a little more pressure applied offensively. When our best players are on the field, we are tough to beat...

[gold32007]

From what i have heard Hamilton will be healthy and so will most of our starters. We should be ready for some great football!!!:rolleyes: ;)

[Leander 6136]

Seems to be some confusion on the locations of the games, but both are playing in Waco on Saturday.


Dragon Booster Club Site has RR game at Baylor
http://www.rrhsfootball.com/
Lion Booster Club Site has Leander at Waco I.S.D.
http://www.leanderfootball.com/

[beechwoodfan]

You know, I have amazed myself with how quickly I have become an expert in Texas 5A football.;)

Garland wins. I know about these things.;)

Good luck Hammi!

Go Owls!:)

Owlfan 1, have you checked your mail?

[bake34]

The problem with Dwight is his inability to utilize his strength, which is his change of direction at high speed. His ankle is ok enough for straight line speed, but I don't think he'll be the Dwight we've grown accustomed to. Add in Horn and Chancey's knees and that's 3 guys that are very important.

If we can't figure out how to get Malcolm more involved....

[owlfan 1]

You know, I have amazed myself with how quickly I have become an expert in Texas 5A football.;)

Garland wins. I know about these things.;)

Good luck Hammi!

Go Owls!:)

Owlfan 1, have you checked your mail?

Got it and love it - I'm gonna wear it to game film tomorrow night (it'll be too cold to wear it Saturday)... thanks!

How did your son enjoy the game at Texas stadium?

[owlfan 1]

The problem with Dwight is his inability to utilize his strength, which is his change of direction at high speed. His ankle is ok enough for straight line speed, but I don't think he'll be the Dwight we've grown accustomed to. Add in Horn and Chancey's knees and that's 3 guys that are very important.

If we can't figure out how to get Malcolm more involved....

sounds like Boobie Miles...

[Leander 6136]

The problem with Dwight is his inability to utilize his strength, which is his change of direction at high speed. His ankle is ok enough for straight line speed, but I don't think he'll be the Dwight we've grown accustomed to. Add in Horn and Chancey's knees and that's 3 guys that are very important.

If we can't figure out how to get Malcolm more involved....


You guys wouldn't be trying to lull us into a false sense of security would you. I watched some clips from your website and it looks like the Owls may be the fastest overall team we have had to face this year. I know video can be decieving bit those guys sure looked fast.

[GHSalumni]

The problem with Dwight is his inability to utilize his strength, which is his change of direction at high speed. His ankle is ok enough for straight line speed, but I don't think he'll be the Dwight we've grown accustomed to. Add in Horn and Chancey's knees and that's 3 guys that are very important.

If we can't figure out how to get Malcolm more involved....

Prettymuch perfect assessment of Dwight Hamilton. His cutback moves have caused so many defenders to look foolish this year, that is his bread and butter. Right now he seems to be just a vertical runner, but hopefully that ankle will feel solid for him this week.

[garlandowl08]

Prettymuch perfect assessment of Dwight Hamilton. His cutback moves have caused so many defenders to look foolish this year, that is his bread and butter. Right now he seems to be just a vertical runner, but hopefully that ankle will feel solid for him this week.

I can't remember exactly but if I recall correctly, he actually juked a Plano East defender OUT OF HIS SHOES...LITERALLY.

[LeanderLions3033]

You guys wouldn't be trying to lull us into a false sense of security would you. I watched some clips from your website and it looks like the Owls may be the fastest overall team we have had to face this year. I know video can be decieving bit those guys sure looked fast.
I think that would be a correct assumption. Before i even knew who we were gonna play, i was thinking that either team that we end up playing will probably be the fastest team we've played all year.

[beechwoodfan]

Got it and love it - I'm gonna wear it to game film tomorrow night (it'll be too cold to wear it Saturday)... thanks!

How did your son enjoy the game at Texas stadium?


He had a great time, and brought home a winner. Someone approached him and said "I think I talk to your dad on the internet." He couldnt believe it.

I e-mailed the Brooks a picture of myself in that shirt and they called immediately. How did I get an Owl's shirt? They obviously dont know I have connections in Texas!

Hope Hammi sees your shirt. He will think it is hilarious.

Go Owls!

[GarlandOwl06]

I think that would be a correct assumption. Before i even knew who we were gonna play, i was thinking that either team that we end up playing will probably be the fastest team we've played all year.
We probably will be the fastest team you've played all year. It is without question the strength of our team. We are undersized but try to make up for it in speed. In yall's film you look like you have a great swarming defense. The QB looks like he will give us fits as well. Leander seems to be a spitting image of Copperas Cove. A good, well coached team. I think we can win but I'm not feeling great about it...

[Leander 6136]

We probably will be the fastest team you've played all year. It is without question the strength of our team. We are undersized but try to make up for it in speed. In yall's film you look like you have a great swarming defense. The QB looks like he will give us fits as well. Leander seems to be a spitting image of Copperas Cove. A good, well coached team. I think we can win but I'm not feeling great about it...

Should be a good game between 2 very good teams. At this stage all the pretenders are gone, just gets harder every week.

[grayowl60]

Ok Garland fans we are in the third round again. Remember what happened last year. We faced a hot Cove team and went home. I get concerned about the bus trip. Other than TS, the longest trip the Owls have had this year is over to the corner of Mockingbird and Hillcrest. Hope they get to Waco with plenty of time to get settled into the surroundings. It is going to be cold, and thats ok. We DO have the talent, and we have won over two good teams. So all we have to do is GO GIT IT;)

[ASH1157]

Garland may have stumbled a couple of times this season, but this is a great football team that's loaded with talent. I will be very surprised if they don't win this game.

[CPwolves08]

I'm excited about this game.

I will be traveling, attending, and rooting for Leander.
Also going to the Round Rock game, ((anyone know ticket prices? I assume 8?))

[garlandowl08]

I'm excited about this game.

I will be traveling, attending, and rooting for Leander.
Also going to the Round Rock game, ((anyone know ticket prices? I assume 8?))

It's 10 at the gate for the G-Town/Leander game.

[LeanderLions3033]

This team is very similar to last years Copperas Cove team actually. I wish we could have played this game at Floyd Casey, i've been to the Waco ISD stadium a million times.

[LeanderLions3033]

Does anybody know who will be the home team and who will be the away team. Cause i'm hoping that we get to wear our white on whites, against Garlands black on black (i assume you guys have those jerseys).

[Zacharary]

I wish it was at Floyd Casey... But I'm in town and I might go!!

[leanderdad]

Does anybody know who will be the home team and who will be the away team. Cause i'm hoping that we get to wear our white on whites, against Garlands black on black (i assume you guys have those jerseys).
Leander is home team.

[LeanderLions3033]

Leander is home team.
That's a shame. The white on whites look more slick everytime i see them.

[Black&Gold06]

Garland may be wearing white on whites then...looks kind of like West Virginia

[RRdragons]

Where is the Waco ISD stadium in relation to Floyd Casey? I'd like to watch Leander play after RR...should be a GOOD day for both teams. :)

[oldowl1]

Go south on 35 you can,t miss it. It will be on the right side of the highway if you are going south.

[RRdragons]

Go south on 35 you can,t miss it. It will be on the right side of the highway if you are going south.

Thanks!!

[GarlandOwl06]

Go south on 35 you can,t miss it. It will be on the right side of the highway if you are going south.

Yea, I believe you take the "New Road" exit and take a right, you can't miss it.

[Leander 6136]

That's a shame. The white on whites look more slick everytime i see them.
I think the blue on blue with the black socks is sharp

[toddg]

Go south on 35 you can,t miss it. It will be on the right side of the highway if you are going south.

on "new road" i believe right by the VA

[ATX-leanda]

havent seen alot of garland besides knowing that they are pretty fast..
our defense is in good shape.. dougie d...#44 will get a few sacks im sure of.. curenskii #11 will catch some game-changin catches..maby see him in RB a couple times... j-mac..qb #4.. if in good health which he seemed today in school, will have to much heart to lose the game and will run it down garlands throats... rest of the players all have their moments.. secondary and special teams is good.. really surprised if this aint atleast a close game/ or if leander doesnt win... if we do lose.. gl in next round owls..


....our baby vince young will get it done...

[LeanderLions3033]

Is their any place where us Leander fans can see clips of Garland highlights?

[OWLBAIT]

Is their any place where us Leander fans can see clips of Garland highlights?
http://www.garlandowls.com/pages/athletics/football/videovault/view_movie.asp

[owlfan 1]

http://www.garlandowls.com/pages/athletics/football/videovault/view_movie.asp

for some reason the last game they have is the rowlett game, which was week 8. they are highlight films, but you'll be able to see some of the owls playmakers...

[Black&Gold06]

The webmaster for the site was out of town over thanksgiving i believe and he has to receive the tape from the coaches to put on the site. I think some more will be up before the game Saturday. I'll cheer hard from Purdue - hope its nice and cold for the game...maybe not like it will be here...5" of snow and 6 degrees on Sunday :eek:

[owlfan 1]

1. Holy cow! That QB! Reminds me of a Jacob Lacey with a better
supporting cast around him.

2. Large offensive line, seem well disciplined - good pass blocking.

3. Quick, ball swarming defense. Good defensive back play.

4. Good team speed.

5. They'll run a reverse on ya if you're not careful - sometimes even if you are.

6. Leander must be one of the last places on earth that does not have field
turf and still plays on the old stuff... ;)

The Owls will have their hands full this week...

[Leander 6136]

1. Holy cow! That QB! Reminds me of a Jacob Lacey with a better
supporting cast around him.

2. Large offensive line, seem well disciplined - good pass blocking.

3. Quick, ball swarming defense. Good defensive back play.

4. Good team speed.

5. They'll run a reverse on ya if you're not careful - sometimes even if you are.

6. Leander must be one of the last places on earth that does not have field
turf and still plays on the old stuff... ;)

The Owls will have their hands full this week...


Yeah it's tough to get any improvements to our stadium. We had a bond election this summer and the one for stadium improvements was soundly defeated. One theory I've heard is that because Bible stadium is in Leander HS's backyard Cedar Park voters aren't interested in improving it but would rather have something similar to the Palace built closer to Cedar Park HS. Another theory is that parents of non athletes in the district would rather not spend money on athletics. It took a Georgetown student falling through the bleachers to get the old wooden planks replaced. Last year we had several knee injuries that were attributed to the old turf not so many this year thankfully. There was some talk of fixing the turf using a safety issue loop hole but I haven't heard anything about it since September.

[gold32007]

thats really too bad b/c it could end up affecting your game. I think that it is ridicules (sorry cant spell and i cant download the checker yet) that it will take an injury to get the field improved. Well good luck getting it improved.:) BTW not sarcastic at all im being serious no puns were intened here

[RRdragons]

Yeah it's tough to get any improvements to our stadium. We had a bond election this summer and the one for stadium improvements was soundly defeated. One theory I've heard is that because Bible stadium is in Leander HS's backyard Cedar Park voters aren't interested in improving it but would rather have something similar to the Palace built closer to Cedar Park HS. Another theory is that parents of non athletes in the district would rather not spend money on athletics. It took a Georgetown student falling through the bleachers to get the old wooden planks replaced. Last year we had several knee injuries that were attributed to the old turf not so many this year thankfully. There was some talk of fixing the turf using a safety issue loop hole but I haven't heard anything about it since September.

Technically, it was actually a Round Rock student who fell through the old wood bleachers in 1998. I was a student at Leander at the time! :)

[beleivedragonfootball]

Where is the Waco ISD stadium in relation to Floyd Casey? I'd like to watch Leander play after RR...should be a GOOD day for both teams. :)
Why does it matter where it is in relation to Floyd Casey, they are both playing at Floyd Casey right?

[JockdaRock]

I've seen the Owls once this season against Allen and they looked decent. They are very beatable and know for a fact they're weak against the option. If a spread quaterback like south garland's Nick Florence can get yards easy i expect Leander's version of Vince Young to have a field day. Garland shouldnt want to win anyway because the MIGHTY BERKNER RAMS will be waiting

[beleivedragonfootball]

Why does it matter where it is in relation to Floyd Casey, they are both playing at Floyd Casey right?Okay, nevermind i was misimformed... sorry if that seemed snippy.

[RRdragons]

Okay, nevermind i was misimformed... sorry if that seemed snippy.

It's okay - I think originally we were both going to play at Casey Floyd or so I thought, but then they changed it to Waco ISD.

[GarlandOwl06]

I've seen the Owls once this season against Allen and they looked decent. They are very beatable and know for a fact they're weak against the option. If a spread quaterback like south garland's Nick Florence can get yards easy i expect Leander's version of Vince Young to have a field day. Garland shouldnt want to win anyway because the MIGHTY BERKNER RAMS will be waiting
I think every educated poster on the board thinks it will be a great game. Also, I can assure you that no one is very scared of Berkner.

[garlandowl08]

I think every educated poster on the board thinks it will be a great game. Also, I can assure you that no one is very scared of Berkner.

Well I'm sure some schools might be scared of Berkner, but I think BHS should worry about winning their next game and we should worry about winning ours. However, if we do play Berkner I would feel more comfortable playing them than Leander.

[LeanderLions3033]

I'm not trying to say that yall aren't good or anything considering i've never seen Berkner play, but trust me. Nobody is scared of Berkner IMO.

[GHSalumni]

Based on stats, looks like the ability to stop the other teams run is going to be the a main factor in this game. Very good matchup, won't be easy for the Owls.

Stats comparison reported in DMN

MATCHUP

Garland Category Leander
30.1 Scoring average 31.0
18.3 Scoring defense 17.9
193.6 Rushing YPG 373.0
145.1 Passing YPG 145.0
130.6 Rushing defense YPG 235.0
166.3 Passing defense YPG 130.0


Garland's 0.1 more passing yards per game will be the difference, who else agrees? :p

[oldowl1]

Based on stats, looks like the ability to stop the other teams run is going to be the a main factor in this game. Very good matchup, won't be easy for the Owls.

Stats comparison reported in DMN

MATCHUP

Garland Category Leander
30.1 Scoring average 31.0
18.3 Scoring defense 17.9
193.6 Rushing YPG 373.0
145.1 Passing YPG 145.0
130.6 Rushing defense YPG 235.0
166.3 Passing defense YPG 130.0


Garland's 0.1 more passing yards per game will be the difference, who else agrees? :p
No Mr. T I think it's going to be the 0.1 scoring average

[LeanderLions3033]

Wow, thats pretty neat how close they are statistically. Leanders strength is running the ball, and Garlands strength is stopping the run. Should be interesting.

[bhs00]

yall mite not be scared of berkner but yall's athletes cant hang with berkners... trust me

[garlandowl08]

yall mite not be scared of berkner but yall's athletes cant hang with berkners... trust me

Why are you on this thread...we can worry about that when the time comes.

[grayowl60]

Garland 28, Leander 26. Two blocked extra points;)

[GHSalumni]

do other teams just assume that Brian Johnson won't be able to block the kick?

[GHSalumni]

No Mr. T I think it's going to be the 0.1 scoring average

I try to look for you at the games and never see you. Force your son to go this weekend = P

[Gtown06]

yall mite not be scared of berkner but yall's athletes cant hang with berkners... trust me

berkner isnt that great of a team. they run the ball just like garland does. except wut good team has berkner beat this yr before playoffs.??? they didnt beat allen or plano east or even plano. garland has big wins against allen and longview. if they do play each other i say garland by 14

[bhs00]

playoffs are a different story my friend. yall barely beat plano west and longview

[owlfan 1]

playoffs are a different story my friend. yall barely beat plano west and longview

In the playoffs, the name of the game is winning - there is no "barely beating" anyone - there is only winning and losing. Berkner has been winning to this point. So has Garland. There are no style points.

However, if we must get picky, the last game Berkner played they "barely won", and when they played West they "barely won". Who cares - you won.

If BHS and GHS face off, we'll talk about it then - until then, I'm thinking about Leander - and Ram fans should be focused on Klien Oak.

[c-lisle]

Garland 28, Leander 26. Two blocked extra points;)

i was not surprised to see the FG block vs Longview.....that guy almost blocked every XP........I bet they get him blocked in this game...if they dont....well.....

[grayowl60]

playoffs are a different story my friend. yall barely beat plano west and longview
Its good to have your knowledge of the playoffs "my friend" Garland has been in the playoffs 13 out of the last 14 years. I asked this on another thread; how many Berkner players live in Garland? LOL:confused:

[LeanderLions3033]

Garland 28, Leander 26. Two blocked extra points;)
Leander lost to Spring a few years back in the playoffs to this exact score. One extra point was blocked and we couldnt get the two point conversion. What worries me is that i could EASILY see that happening again with Garland in a close game. I think most Leander fans can agree that we've gotten our share of kicks blocked this year. If that were the score of the game, and it was because of the reasons i just stated, i think that might end up being the toughest loss that any Leander fan has had to take simply because it would be deja vu.

[LeanderLions3033]

yall mite not be scared of berkner but yall's athletes cant hang with berkners... trust me
ROFLMAO:D !! Now thats funny.

[oldowl1]

I try to look for you at the games and never see you. Force your son to go this weekend = P

He will be working, I allways try to set top middle.

[c-lisle]

is it just me or is Garlands QB not that good. Going into the Longview game I saw the stats and was really concerned about him but ouside of one run he had a average game at best. His throws, except for the short ones, were pretty bad.

I still dont think Leander wil be able to stop Garland running so I think Garland wins.

[GarlandOwl06]

berkner isnt that great of a team. they run the ball just like garland does. except wut good team has berkner beat this yr before playoffs.??? they didnt beat allen or plano east or even plano. garland has big wins against allen and longview. if they do play each other i say garland by 14

Don't forget about Desoto who is still in the playoffs as well

[GTown02]

Greg Hunter is not an unstoppable QB, just very efficient with his throws.

[GHSalumni]

is it just me or is Garlands QB not that good. Going into the Longview game I saw the stats and was really concerned about him but ouside of one run he had a average game at best. His throws, except for the short ones, were pretty bad.

I still dont think Leander wil be able to stop Garland running so I think Garland wins.


Well...while he may not seem that good compared to your typical Quarterback, he has vastly improved this year in an area the owls have struggled with since 99'. He is no flashy passer nor does he show off any kind of laser passes, but his ability to be on target for his short passes this year keeps the defense honest and has the Garland offense way more balanced than it has been in the past 6 years. Garland's receivers are awesome athletes, so really their passing game revolves around getting the ball into the hands of #4 ,#9, #15, #2 and others quickly and making something happen after the catch. Of course there are a few exceptions to this, as #4 Little and #9 Williams both have good height and can outjump many defenders for fades.

Anyways, Greg Hunter has done a pretty top notch job this year, not at being an all-star caliber QB, but being consistent with the things he does allowing us to have more options on Offense than simply jamming it up the middle.

[ThEgReAtOnE]

Does anyone think the Owls will absolutely blow Leander out? Or vice versa? Or is this really a contest between 2 evenly matched teams?

Lets go Owls! Make it happen!

[garlandowl08]

Does anyone think the Owls will absolutely blow Leander out? Or vice versa? Or is this really a contest between 2 evenly matched teams?

Lets go Owls! Make it happen!

The general consensus seems to be a close fought game.

[Mr. Sandman]

Who cares who wins this game? Amarillo will beat you anyways.

[toddg]

do other teams just assume that Brian Johnson won't be able to block the kick?

he's too fast off the corner and i think the guy right beside him is quick too so i think its a pick your poisen kind of thing.

[GTown02]

Who cares who wins this game? Amarillo will beat you anyways.
Might want to worry about Cedar Hill first...

[owlfan 1]

Hunter is not the difference maker for the Owls, but he has been very good this year and runs the offense quite effectively. Against Longview, GHS went into a very conservative gameplan, hoping to win the game on a big play from the defense of special teams (which is not a bad bet with this group). When called on, Greg has stepped up - I think we'll need a bigger game from him this week, but he is capable.

Greatone - look for a close, hard fought game that comes down to the last few minutes...

[LeanderLions3033]

Who cares who wins this game? Amarillo will beat you anyways.
This is a serious prediction and i'll eat crow if i'm wrong but...

Cedar Hill 56
Amarillo 7

I have a cousin that plays for Cedar Hill (he actually just got moved up from JV for the playoffs, but the family ties are there ;) ), and that team is looking STOUT. I don't see any way possible how Amarillo could hang with them, but then again I didnt see any way possible that Round Rock could hang with Lufkin.

[c-lisle]

Well...while he may not seem that good compared to your typical Quarterback, he has vastly improved this year in an area the owls have struggled with since 99'. .


IMO our QB typically isnt that good as a QB just a good athelete.......our RBs are the ones that need to be good for us to win. I am glad he has improved I was just expecting alot more after seeing the stats. Anyways good luck this week and I hope you win.

[OWLBAIT]

Some interesting stats. The offensive average in 99' was 370 yds per game, while this years average is 340. The 99' Owls averaged less than 100 yds passing per game where this years average is 145. What the 99' team did better was run the ball because that is what they were able to do best. This years team is able to do both. As far as production is concerned, the running game accounts for 58% of the offense while the passing game 42%. Pretty balanced attack and exactly what everyone has been screaming for around Garland for years. This Garland group plays as a team and that is the reason they are where they are. Kicking, defense, and offense. This game versus Leander will be a battle, because from everything you here about them, they are a solid, well coached football team.

[Boy Named Sue]

Another interesting note:

In '99, the Owls wore black helmets with the Grambling/GreenBay/Georgia-style gold "G" on them.

This year, the Owls wear black helmets with the Grambling/GreenBay/Georgia-style gold "G" on them.

Sue sees a pattern.

With that out of the way, ain't it just a lost cause to compare any team to the '99 bunch? That group caught lightning in a bottle. The '02 Ollieites compared way too much and Longview ended up holding a dance-off on their collective noggins that bi-district round.

Just let the game play out. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes and wins the kicking game wins. Just like last week.

[HomeofChampions'06]

I'm pumped about this game and I'm a Katy Tiger. I'm happy this one's in Waco and I'll be able to see it. I still have to go with my pick of Garland playing Katy @ the Alamo this year. Let's go Owls!

Garland 30
Leander 28

[CAJUN_PRINCE214]

garland 31
leander 28

strategy will win this game/ good coaching.

[Never Give Up]

Hey Leander Lions:

The Homers at Dallas Morning News have picked against both Leander and Round Rock.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/highschools/football/picks/stories/120106dnspohsfbpicks.326efa9.html

Let's show'em what 14-5A is all about and send the fowl from Garland and Allen packin' back to the D-burbs.

Rip'em Up Lions!
Rock'em Dragons!

Never Give Up, Never Give In

[ATX-leanda]

mmm i seem to recall reading the austin american statesman... nad 5 out of 6 picked leander to win... and looking on 5atexasfootball best game for this week it picks leander to win... if leander comes in and doesnt make alot of penalties turnovers and bad calls from reffs.. we should slighly take this one easily come 3rd qaurter. garland really doesnt know what their going against... do some resarch on josh mckinley.. re-evaluate our defense then get back to me
\

and if garland happends to win.. so be it.. it means your tha best team we've played all year.. if not. here we come state............. ;)



damn katy..... :(


as for round rock.. if your clicking at the right times and have minor mistakes you can beat allen. good luck win or lose. gj fer makin this far.

[LeanderLions3033]

I expect the Round Rock vs Allen game to be alot like our game against Allen in 03. Two heavy weights back and forth the whole game, and the last team with the ball wins. I honestly don't know if their is a game that fields teams so evenly matched tomorrow. I know you Garland/Dallas area fans are gonna make your homer picks, and us Leander/Austin area fans are gonna make our homer pick, but when you look at it statistically, and the fact that both teams played pretty even teams throughtout the year, this should be a very good game.

[toddg]

I expect the Round Rock vs Allen game to be alot like our game against Allen in 03. Two heavy weights back and forth the whole game, and the last team with the ball wins. I honestly don't know if their is a game that fields teams so evenly matched tomorrow. I know you Garland/Dallas area fans are gonna make your homer picks, and us Leander/Austin area fans are gonna make our homer pick, but when you look at it statistically, and the fact that both teams played pretty even teams throughtout the year, this should be a very good game.

im unbiased, but im going to drive down tomorrow and watch the leander/garland game..im expecting a very good game as well.

[GHSalumni]

While I am a Garland homer and I do believe the Owls can win this game, I definitely think the dual threat QB gives Leander the upper hand in this game. I pick them to win, honestly, but it's such a good matchup on paper, I'm pretty torn about that pick. I hope the Owls win, but they have got to get their offense rolling again. If anything, I hope it comes down to special teams because they have been solid for Garland almost all year.

[caseman]

Garland will win and the white trash 40 year olds that frequent Aaron's Furniture at Saturn and Miller will celebrate by drinking a 30 pack of Key Light. I will definitely be staying indoors tomorrow night. No telling what a bunch of hopped up meth tweaking alcoholic deer hunting buffoons will do to a guy with a SG sticker on his window after a comfortable Owl win :eek:

[GoOwls]

Garland will win and the white trash 40 year olds that frequent Aaron's Furniture at Saturn and Miller will celebrate by drinking a 30 pack of Key Light. I will definitely be staying indoors tomorrow night. No telling what a bunch of hopped up meth tweaking alcoholic deer hunting buffoons will do to a guy with a SG sticker on his window after a comfortable Owl win :eek:

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Nice try Caseman, but I ain't taking that bait.

BTW, how is your basketball practices going over there at Dirty South? :eek: :D

[LeanderLions3033]

It's officially game day. Any last minute predictions before one team's fans have to come back and eat crow??

[caseman]

It's officially game day. Any last minute predictions before one team's fans have to come back and eat crow??

Garland 29 Leander 21

...and I wouldn't call myself a "fan"....but anytime a team from my hometown plays out of town, I am cheering for them

[caseman]

BTW, how is your basketball practices going over there at Dirty South? :eek: :D

Dunno, but Nichols is back....which means G-Town will never see first place (especially with Rockwall in our district now)

[garlandowl08]

Ok, I'll finally make a pick. Garland wins by 1, 2, or 3 points, and I'm guessing somewhere in the 20's (as in not that high scoring)

[GoOwls]

Dunno, but Nichols is back....which means G-Town will never see first place (especially with Rockwall in our district now)

We haven't been any good at b-ball since Ricky Pierce and Richard Johnson and the Derrick boys graduated. No biggie, we'll let you guys have your thing you're good at. :D

[caseman]

We haven't been any good at b-ball since Ricky Pierce and Richard Johnson and the Derrick boys graduated. No biggie, we'll let you guys have your thing you're good at. :D

Randy Duck was the best basketball player that has ever played in GISD....and this is including Mookie and Ricky Pierce.

He was the epitome of a gym rat. Our church (St Philips on Broadway, down the street from SGHS) has a gym that was open every Sunday after church (as opposed to rec centers who were closed) and Duck was there working on his jumper without exception.

TaTa Thompson could also ball....as could Ike Diogu (who my little brother, at 6' 240 dunked on at Fields Rec Center once)

South's best player was LD Swanson....who never made the pros.

Better players: GHS and NGHS
Better Team : SGHS

[GoOwls]

Randy Duck was the best basketball player that has ever played in GISD....and this is including Mookie and Ricky Pierce.

He was the epitome of a gym rat. Our church (St Philips on Broadway, down the street from SGHS) has a gym that was open every Sunday after church (as opposed to rec centers who were closed) and Duck was there working on his jumper without exception.

TaTa Thompson could also ball....as could Ike Diogu (who my little brother, at 6' 240 dunked on at Fields Rec Center once)

South's best player was LD Swanson....who never made the pros.

Better players: GHS and NGHS
Better Team : SGHS

You know, I completely forgot about Diogu and Mookie. Prolly because they were more recent and as I get older I tend to forget more. I mean, those guys I mentioned were there while I was there or within a few years after. Diogu and Mookie were great players, but they didn't have much help while they were there. Their teams went only as far as they could drag them.

I gotta disagree with you on Duck (sp) (Duyck?). Yes, he was probably the hardest working player ever, but he was an over-achiever. I went to school with him, he was a bit younger. He was a nice college player in California, but he didn't have near the natural talent that Pierce and Mookie had.

As far as South talent, please, in the 70's and 80's you guys were getting written up in the paper al the time. You sent a bunch of guys to D-1 schools. I don't remember the names, excpet for Armstrong, but there were a whole bunch of really good players at South. Yes, we have had more pro players, but you guys have almost always had more depth to combat us with.

[GoOwls]

I'm really worried about tonight's game. Leander really scares me. Then, everybody we've played so far has scared me, so what's new. If our guys can keep their poise, we have a chance. Gotta start getting ready to leave.

[caseman]

I don't know what you should fear after beating Longview and P West. Those were two quality teams. GHS is on a roll....and this team has "it" kind of like the 99 team.

I always thought the 02 and 96 teams was the best talent for GHS, but they didn't do jack in the playoffs. This year's team is scary good...as a "team" like the 99 squad.

[GarlandOwl06]

Randy Duck was the best basketball player that has ever played in GISD....and this is including Mookie and Ricky Pierce.

He was the epitome of a gym rat. Our church (St Philips on Broadway, down the street from SGHS) has a gym that was open every Sunday after church (as opposed to rec centers who were closed) and Duck was there working on his jumper without exception.

TaTa Thompson could also ball....as could Ike Diogu (who my little brother, at 6' 240 dunked on at Fields Rec Center once)

South's best player was LD Swanson....who never made the pros.

Better players: GHS and NGHS
Better Team : SGHS

Ike was definately better than Randy....it could be argued that the best basketball player to go to garland was actually bobby boyd

[caseman]

IMO Ike Diogu only got good once he got to ASU. Like I said earlier, my little brother who didn't even play varsity b-ball at Rowlett dunked on Ike at the rec....and the team with Ike and TaTa got blown out by South at Garland's gym....and boy oh boy did South suck that year.

[wolfattack]

does anyone know if the game is being broadcast and what station it is on?

[owlbandad]

www.tsrnsports.com has the Leander radio coverage. AM 1260 kwnx austin.

flu sucks,

owlbandad

[ATX-leanda]

whats tha score right now

[Zacharary]

somwthing really close. 1:38 left in the game and Leander has the ball. they are down by a field goal or something. 4th and 11.

[beechwoodfan]

Someone Please Tell Me What The Hell Is Happening!!!!!

[Zacharary]

Garland wins.

[ATX-leanda]

gj owls ta next round... leander garland very close game 27-24 didnt get to whatch or hear much besides the last minute on the radio sounded very close and very good game..

[gtown04]

Someone Please Tell Me What The Hell Is Happening!!!!!

You should check the score updates next time :p
they are stickyd to the top of the main forum...

but!

Garland 27
Leander 24

[twolfie]

Congrats to Garland, they beat a very good Leander team.

[leanderdad]

Congratulations Garland and good luck the rest of the playoffs.

[beechwoodfan]

You should check the score updates next time :p
they are stickyd to the top of the main forum...

but!

Garland 27
Leander 24


Don't talk down to me gtown. I am doing the best I can from out of state! I have taken a true interest in the Owls and do not appreciate your flippant reaction to my interest. Most others in your area have been so kind supportive, understanding, and lots of fun........

Meanwhile...........WAY TO GO OWLS!

[twolfie]

Don't talk down to me gtown. I am doing the best I can from out of state! I have taken a true interest in the Owls and do not appreciate your flippant reaction to my interest. Most others in your area have been so kind supportive, understanding, and lots of fun........

Meanwhile...........WAY TO GO OWLS!
Seriously, for next week, unless you see updates in a thread dedicated to your game, check the "score updates" for the day thread one of the admins will put as a sticky at the top. robmac did a great job of keeping up with the game for us.

[gtown04]

Don't talk down to me gtown. I am doing the best I can from out of state! I have taken a true interest in the Owls and do not appreciate your flippant reaction to my interest. Most others in your area have been so kind supportive, understanding, and lots of fun........

Meanwhile...........WAY TO GO OWLS!

ok?
What did I say that was bad? Theres a sticky in the main forums for score updates (and pretty much play-by-play from Rob).

[twolfie]

ok?
What did I say that was bad? Theres a sticky in the main forums for score updates (and pretty much play-by-play from Rob).
ya stuck your tongue out at him/her! :eek: I think that's why it was taken wrong.

[garlandowl08]

Ok so the next game is in Houston...apparently the band isn't even going. I don't know if the superowls will have rides. This sucks.

[gold32007]

Who Said The Band Aint Goin S*%# Ill Be There


SRY ABOUT THE CHOICE OF WORDS lol

[LHSLion11]

Just got back a bit ago...still in shock. This game was ours for the taking and I can honestly say the coaches took this one right out of our hands. It was truly ridiculous the way that last possession by leander was handled. The 3rd down call was horrid. McKinley got nothing going ALL NIGHT. What makes him think he will on 3rd down with 2 mins left in the 4th? I just don't get it...horrible playcalling in the 4th. I can honestly say that this team was just plain outcoached tonight.

GL to Garland the rest of the way.

[Gtown06]

Just got back a bit ago...still in shock. This game was ours for the taking and I can honestly say the coaches took this one right out of our hands. It was truly ridiculous the way that last possession by leander was handled. The 3rd down call was horrid. McKinley got nothing going ALL NIGHT. What makes him think he will on 3rd down with 2 mins left in the 4th? I just don't get it...horrible playcalling in the 4th. I can honestly say that this team was just plain outcoached tonight.

GL to Garland the rest of the way.

and outplayed

[toddg]

i was impressed with blake gideon, and a few others..they played hard and never quit!

great game garland! showed some consistancy on offense and hit big plays when needed.. was impressed with #2 at rb, that kid can churn it up! good luck next week..

[Owls06]

#4 at QB for Leander was extremely evasive. Breaking tackles from our tough D-Line. But his arm isn't very accurate... There were many single coverage advantage matchups that were overthrown. Garland D held their ground and forced the dirty fourth down throw. Also.. DID I JUST SEE A 51 yard GARLAND TD PASS?? WHAT?? I haven't been to many games, but i drove up from College Station to watch this one. This game wasn't as close as the score told IMO. Lots of respect for Malcolm by not kicking deep to him as well.

Good game though, brought it to a nail-biting end. Leander was overall alot classier than Cove in many ways.. (in terms of fans), but maybe because Garland won.

Anybody get a good angle on that onside kick? What happened?

[LeanderLions3033]

I was right there when it happened. The Garland player caught the ball but on the way down Ram Rodriugez (#2) stuck his nose in there for the ball. They were both fighting for it on the ground and Ram ended up getting possession. Theres no way that should have ever happened had the Garland player tucked away the ball properly.

Props to Garland for their overall team speed. The rb who ran the sweep to yall's sideline for about 50 yards had some wheels. There just wasnt much that could have been done in that situation. It was a well executed misdirection. And #9 was a beast. Although i fell that in most cases Curenski can take over a game in the exact same way, we just had no answer for him. And it was obvious that we got outplayed and out coached, but the facts are that our kicking game lost us 4 points. We obviously wouldnt have gone for two, but the score would have been tied 27 27. On the first field goal, it hit the center in the back of helment (i was right there), and he missed a simple extra point... He's been suspect all year, but nothing quite like that. But the better team won tonight. Congrats, and good luck Garland the rest of the way.

[GoOwls]

I was right there when it happened. The Garland player caught the ball but on the way down Ram Rodriugez (#2) stuck his nose in there for the ball. They were both fighting for it on the ground and Ram ended up getting possession. Theres no way that should have ever happened had the Garland player tucked away the ball properly.

Props to Garland for their overall team speed. The rb who ran the sweep to yall's sideline for about 50 yards had some wheels. There just wasnt much that could have been done in that situation. It was a well executed misdirection. And #9 was a beast. Although i fell that in most cases Curenski can take over a game in the exact same way, we just had no answer for him. And it was obvious that we got outplayed and out coached, but the facts are that our kicking game lost us 4 points. We obviously wouldnt have gone for two, but the score would have been tied 27 27. On the first field goal, it hit the center in the back of helment (i was right there), and he missed a simple extra point... He's been suspect all year, but nothing quite like that. But the better team won tonight. Congrats, and good luck Garland the rest of the way.

The reason that RB was so fast around the corner is becasue he was the runner-up in the 200 meter dash at last years state meet. He was also the guy who ran down your #11 on that pass play and tackled him inside the 5 yd. line. I thought, as #11 hit about the 40 yd. line, that he was gone, then #15 just ran up on him. I didn't think anbody could catch #11, but he did.

[GarlandOwl06]

IMO Ike Diogu only got good once he got to ASU. Like I said earlier, my little brother who didn't even play varsity b-ball at Rowlett dunked on Ike at the rec....and the team with Ike and TaTa got blown out by South at Garland's gym....and boy oh boy did South suck that year.

You do remember that Ike's junior and senior year Garland was the back to back district champions and played Rowlett at Rowlett his senior yea for the district championship and beat them right? he averaged 24 points 12 boards and 4 blocks his senior year was in the top 50 finalist for Mcdonalds All Americans and had offers from all the big boys including uconn, illinois, kansas, lousiville, and georgetown.

[GarlandOwl06]

Now about the game

I have been very critical of the coaching staff all year, and I have to say Jordan did a great job preparing his team and putting together a good game plan. The team was very focused and disciplined all night with only a couple penalties and zero turnovers. He played agressive going for it on fourth downs. Hopefully this game made him realize that when Malcolm gets the ball on offense good things happen.

Garland dominated the trenches on both sides. Perez was a beast as was the entire defensive line. Frazier was in the backfield almost every play. Jarret Ben played another good game at cb. I think I have to credit the better play of the defense to the linebackers. Baker, Heart, and Maville are playing extremely well right now.

[Leander 6136]

I know this is late but I got home late last night and had a very busy day. Just wanted to congratulate Garland on a very well played game. I do think our coaches made suspect calls on the final drive but you can't take anything away from Garland. They executed well on both sides of the ball and obviously scouted us well. I am extremely proud of our boys after falling behind 24-9 and hanging in there. It would have been very easy to give up but they battled to the end showing the same mettle they have all year. It was tough because I have known all these seniors for 4 years and many of them 6. I know how they felt knowing for many of them it will be the last time they ever suit up. It was hard seeing the disappointment on my son's face but knowing it was just another bump on the road of life. Though they took the loss hard and showed a lot of emotion after the game, they left it on the field and showed a lot of character in defeat. I am proud to know each one of these young men and have had a lot of fun watching these guys go from learning the basics in 7th grade to playing championship level football as seniors. They had a great year and were knocked off by a quality program and went out with their heads held high. Watching them consol one another I know they have forged bonds that can only be forged in the heat of battle and will last a lifetime. My younger son is a freshman so I still have 3 more years of this and I hope he can experience the same friendships and successes as his big brother. Once more congrats to Garland. You played a good, clean, hard hitting game and deserved to win and won with class. Great fans and a great program. Good luck on the rest of your season.

[Black&Gold06]

I'm glad our players were able to not only play well but show class, as sometimes this has been a problem in the past (Copperas Cove). Our fans have usually been classy but glad to see Jordan has the players showing good class this year as well. Although I was not at the game I heard nothing but good things about the class of leander's program and players.

[GHSalumni]

It sure was good to have a healthy Dwight Hamilton (#2). He opens up our offense so much more, as well as getting Malcolm more touches, which the coach did a great job of. Good team effort win for the Owls (minimal penalties!!) against a solid team. McKinley had me worried all night with his elusiveness, but luckily he was contained for the most part. I thought the defensive line did an outstanding job again this week in causing the opposing QB to have to think much faster and on the run. Garland's D once again played well enough to win, stepping up at the right times. More importantly though was the offense finally clicking and having a great run game.

Great overall game, I didn't figure Leander would quit and they sure showed alot of heart at the end. After that onside kick I was pretty shocked, from the Garland side it looked like a clean reception, but the D bailed us out again.
Very impressive resiliency has been shown by the Owls over the past 3 weeks, not getting their heads down at the end of games when the other team has the ball and momentum. Once again, great game Leander, you were never underestimated, and best of luck to you guys next year, it would be awesome to face off with you guys in the future, a class act indeed.

[GHSalumni]

Ok so the next game is in Houston...apparently the band isn't even going. I don't know if the superowls will have rides. This sucks.

If that rumor is true, that's dumb. I was in band during the 99' season and we never missed a game. Of course the furthest game from home was Waco and Tyler up until the State Finals, so who knows. I can't imagine the band wouldn't show up at all? Halftime would be odd, you would think that the school would want to represent itself completely for this experience, and it's something many students won't get to experience again.

On the other hand, who am I to criticise them, I might not be able to go this weekend either which makes me a sad Owl.

[Black&Gold06]

I talked to two of the drum majors, the band is going, no worries.

[GHSalumni]

Yay. Wish you could be in town for more games P, keep it real in Purdue.

[grayowl60]

If that rumor is true, that's dumb. I was in band during the 99' season and we never missed a game. Of course the furthest game from home was Waco and Tyler up until the State Finals, so who knows. I can't imagine the band wouldn't show up at all? Halftime would be odd, you would think that the school would want to represent itself completely for this experience, and it's something many students won't get to experience again.

On the other hand, who am I to criticise them, I might not be able to go this weekend either which makes me a sad Owl.
I hear the boosters are trying to get a charter bus to the game. They need to fill it to make it worthwhile.

[GHSalumni]

I hear the boosters are trying to get a charter bus to the game. They need to fill it to make it worthwhile.

Well if i can get off work Saturday, then i shall assist in filling that charter. I remember they did the charter thing seven years ago as well.

[Gtown06]

garland definatley needs to figure out how to stop the screen because that play kills us every game.

[garlandowl08]

I hear the boosters are trying to get a charter bus to the game. They need to fill it to make it worthwhile.

One of the superowls work with the uncle of a player. The player's dad has maybe started trying to get a bus together for Owl fans for some sort of small-ish fee. If it happens, i think the superowls will be rollin on that so we may get to meet some of you guys.

[c-lisle]

Just got back a bit ago...still in shock. This game was ours for the taking and I can honestly say the coaches took this one right out of our hands. .


funny b/c we feel almost the exact same way in Longview

[c-lisle]

congrats to Garland......good luck next week

[LeanderLions3033]

funny b/c we feel almost the exact same way in Longview
I wouldn't say the game was taken away from us by the coaches. Garland was the better team out of us two, but even though they played a turnover free game, they gave us the chances to win. If we were just going to go for it on that 4th down where we tried the direct snap, then we should have just gone out of our normal offense. If we were gonna go out of the punt formation, well we should have punted. The punter ran on the field late, Josh was making all of the line calls at up back and even if the direct snap wasnt fumbled nobody was fooled. And after recovering the onside kick, we could/should have had higher percentage plays. A fade to Curenski (as good as a reciever as he is) with Malcolm Williams covering him isnt a very high percentage play. We should have just stuck with running the ball with Josh to at least put us in field goal range (even though the field goal would have probably been missed/blocked/kicked in the back of our own players head the way our team's special teams have been all year). But like i said, the better team won.

my bad, its been corrected

[the guru]

I wouldn't say the game was taken away from us by the coaches. Garland was the better team out of us two, but even though they played a turnover free game, they gave us the chances to win. If we were just going to go for it on that 4th down where we tried the direct snap, then we should have just gone out of our normal offense. If we were gonna go out of the punt formation, well we should have punted. The punter ran on the field late, Josh was making all of the line calls at up back and even if the direct snap wasnt fumbled nobody was fooled. And after recovering the onside kick, we could/should have had higher percentage plays. A fade to Curenski (as good as a reciever as he is) with Malcolm Williams covering him isnt a very high percentage play. We should have just stuck with running the ball with Josh to at least put us in field goal range (even though the field goal would have probably been missed/blocked/kicked in the back of our own players head the way our team's special teams have been all year). But like i said, the better team lost.

Was that the starting kicker that was playing? His leg didn't look very strong from outside of about 35 yards. Looked like he had to line drive anything farther than that. That might've been why they were trying to pick up bigger yardage rather than just grabbing 5 and 6 yards at a time.

[c-lisle]

I wouldn't say the game was taken away from us by the coaches.

Garland was the better team out of us two

But like i said, the better team lost.

huh? well if you were the better team then coaching had to be the difference. In the Longview game it was obvious that Longview was the more talented team b/c we dominated on both sides of the ball. However Garalnd executed their game plan to keep the game close and let special teams/turnovers decide it and they won. Questionable coaching, once again, by Longview played a big part also but didn't cost us the game.

[LeanderLions3033]

I ment the better team won. Garland was the better team lol. My bad, i don't know where that came from. And the answer your question guru, yes that is and has been our starting kicker all year. Last year when our starting all district kicker was injured, we needed to grab our JV kicker for our district championship game against Pflugerville. In that game he went 5-5 including the game winning fieldgoal from about 35 yards out, and he was fairly consistent for the rest of last year. But this year, he's been TERRIBLE. I know he's just a high school kid but two seperate occasions, including against Garland on the 1st drive, his fieldgoal attempt hit the back of a helment of one of our lineman. On the year he's made probably about 40% of his kicks. Now i'm sure we could have just grabbed somebody from the soccer team, but coach Gideon (as good of a coach as he is) is WAY to stubborn to do that. The guy has a VERY strong leg on kickoffs, but wasnt shown in the game for obvious reasons (malcolm williams). He just isnt a very good kicker. But, whats done is done lol. Good luck Garland, and although just about everybody has looked past Klein Oak this playoffs i'm looking forward to a Cedar Hill vs Garland showdown.

[c-lisle]

so did the big breaks seem to go Garlands way in this game?........they got most of the breaks, if you want to call them that, in the Longview game.

[grayowl60]

so did the big breaks seem to go Garlands way in this game?........they got most of the breaks, if you want to call them that, in the Longview game.
Scoreboard? cmon now, the longview fans have shown real class until now, unlike the South Garland whine fest SOME of the Longview people went on last year. The breaks were about even, and the talent was fairly even. Longviews D was great, but it seems Garlands D also played at Texas Stadium that day. Coaching, special teams and clock management are part of the game. Longview DID have a very good team and has a good program. I think you have to take advantage of "breaks":confused:

[c-lisle]

I think you have to take advantage of "breaks":confused:


exactly......Longview 350 yds offense/Garland 150 yds offense....sad when you dominate a game like that lose....

[grayowl60]

exactly......Longview 350 yds offense/Garland 150 yds offense....sad when you dominate a game like that lose....
Yes, and the other team gets a 100 yard runback, and stops your team inside your 30 several times, it is sad. Its called.... FOOTBALL;)

[owlfan 1]

football is a frustrating game... most years... :D

[LHSFAN07]

LeanderLions3033,

Oopppss..is that your bu** crack showing???? You obviously know nothing about the kicker or kicking for that matter. If you did, you would never have talked trash about this young man......one of the nicest kids you could ever meet.

'Coach Gideon could pick someone from soccer'....hahaha....the best three soccer players are the KICKER, the backup kicker, and the kicker's little bro (JV Kicker).

I think when we did stats for colleges, he was extremely accurate...like missed 2 field goals and one extra point from 7-11 grades including several extra points and field goals on varsity. Did you notice he was on the varsity roster last year? Coach couldn't pick between the two kickers, so this one went down to JV to kick full time and play on the field...other kicker was a senior....they were friends...it was the right thing to do.

Besides the blocks, I think he only missed one field goal this year...a 47 yarder that was right on target but fell short because he was trying to kick it too high so that it wouldn't get blocked.....line couldn't hold for the first three games of the season....coach changed out some personnel and things got better. Maybe you should watch some film of the kicks...we did....very enlightening. Either the line wasn't holding or in the case against Garland, the ball fell off the tee or never made it to the tee many times this year also.....shoot the extra point that was blocked was at least a foot in front of the tee. But, I'm sure you could've made those kicks with the ball falling down or laying flat on the ground ..... haha!

This kid took crap from people like you in the stands all year knowing it usually wasn't his fault and still never said one negative thing about his teammates or the bubbas in the stands yelling...'we need another kicker', 'we need another quarterback', 'get your head out coach', etc.

When we told him some jerk was nailing him on this website, he just smiled...kinda like he'll be doing next year while your sitting in your lazyboy watching him on TV. Maybe we can get our KICKER to teach you how to be a man or at least know what you're talking about.

Thanks to all the fans who traveled and SUPPORTED the team!

[Leander 6136]

LeanderLions3033,

Oopppss..is that your bu** crack showing???? You obviously know nothing about the kicker or kicking for that matter. If you did, you would never have talked trash about this young man......one of the nicest kids you could ever meet.

'Coach Gideon could pick someone from soccer'....hahaha....the best three soccer players are the KICKER, the backup kicker, and the kicker's little bro (JV Kicker).

I think when we did stats for colleges, he was extremely accurate...like missed 2 field goals and one extra point from 7-11 grades including several extra points and field goals on varsity. Did you notice he was on the varsity roster last year? Coach couldn't pick between the two kickers, so this one went down to JV to kick full time and play on the field...other kicker was a senior....they were friends...it was the right thing to do.

Besides the blocks, I think he only missed one field goal this year...a 47 yarder that was right on target but fell short because he was trying to kick it too high so that it wouldn't get blocked.....line couldn't hold for the first three games of the season....coach changed out some personnel and things got better. Maybe you should watch some film of the kicks...we did....very enlightening. Either the line wasn't holding or in the case against Garland, the ball fell off the tee or never made it to the tee many times this year also.....shoot the extra point that was blocked was at least a foot in front of the tee. But, I'm sure you could've made those kicks with the ball falling down or laying flat on the ground ..... haha!

This kid took crap from people like you in the stands all year knowing it usually wasn't his fault and still never said one negative thing about his teammates or the bubbas in the stands yelling...'we need another kicker', 'we need another quarterback', 'get your head out coach', etc.

When we told him some jerk was nailing him on this website, he just smiled...kinda like he'll be doing next year while your sitting in your lazyboy watching him on TV. Maybe we can get our KICKER to teach you how to be a man or at least know what you're talking about.

Thanks to all the fans who traveled and SUPPORTED the team!
Hi Mrs. Mimbela

[LHSFAN07]

<<Hi Mrs. Mimbela>>

Nah...she'd just tell him off again...had the whole school laughing about for at least two days!!!!!!!!

[gold32007]

<<Hi Mrs. Mimbela>>

Nah...she'd just tell him off again...had the whole school laughing about for at least two days!!!!!!!!
ROFL man she really got into it that was very passionate u should all be proud of her

[caseman]

I love when Longview loses to a Garland team then makes lame *** excuses....

Malcolm Kelly wasn't playing! 2003
Homecooking refs! 2005
Garland got all the breaks! 2006


Sore losers LOL

[caseman]

You do remember that Ike's junior and senior year Garland was the back to back district champions and played Rowlett at Rowlett his senior yea for the district championship and beat them right? he averaged 24 points 12 boards and 4 blocks his senior year was in the top 50 finalist for Mcdonalds All Americans and had offers from all the big boys including uconn, illinois, kansas, lousiville, and georgetown.

actually, they tied his Junior year with South for the district championship (go take a look at the banners at SGs gym).....and my brother played football (and jv basketball) but dominated his butt in pickup b-ball.

....and why in samhell would someone go to ASU if they indeed had offers to UConn, KU, Louisville, Illinois or Georgetown? He may have received letters, but I doubt he was offered. I do remember he was a finalist for McDonalds.....but we had a guy on our team in 94 at South who was also a finalist who played D-2 ball. I am pretty sure Diogu wasn't highly recruited out of HS, but you are the GHS "expert"

Also, Ike was schooled by SG's center one of those years at SG's gym.....#3, don't remember his last name....William something. Ike fouled out and South's fans were giving him hell then one of Ike's relatives or Nigerian buddies came over there and tried to start a fight and SG's resource officer arrested him for possession of mj.... and then the same year South absolutely blew out GHS at Garland. I remember those as plain as day. I have missed maybe 10 varsity games in town in 8 years since I have graduated from college....

[garlandowl08]

actually, they tied his Junior year with South for the district championship (go take a look at the banners at SGs gym).....and my brother played football (and jv basketball) but dominated his butt in pickup b-ball.

....and why in samhell would someone go to ASU if they indeed had offers to UConn, KU, Louisville, Illinois or Georgetown? He may have received letters, but I doubt he was offered. I do remember he was a finalist for McDonalds.....but we had a guy on our team in 94 at South who was also a finalist who played D-2 ball. I am pretty sure Diogu wasn't highly recruited out of HS, but you are the GHS "expert"

Also, Ike was schooled by SG's center one of those years at SG's gym.....#3, don't remember his last name....William something. Ike fouled out and South's fans were giving him hell then one of Ike's relatives or Nigerian buddies came over there and tried to start a fight and SG's resource officer arrested him for possession of mj.... and then the same year South absolutely blew out GHS at Garland. I remember those as plain as day. I have missed maybe 10 varsity games in town in 8 years since I have graduated from college....

This is stupid: You're talking about BASKETBALL.

[Black&Gold06]

Ike received the offers from those schools and did not go there because he was able to play right away at ASU...smart decision. Whatever happened in hs the guy set numerous PAC10 and ASU records while in college and likely would have set more had he stayed. In his second season he's averaging a solid 9ppg/6 rpg as a backup. Not bad - i dont care what happened in hs you cant criticize a guy who is one of the nicest players you'll meet and doing fairly well in the NBA.


Oh, and even if he didnt contribute a down, he was on the '99 state football team...dont think SG has any titles in that sport.

[caseman]

Typically sensitive Owls

I only have an opinion that Randy Duck, Mookie Blaylock and even SG's Billy Smith or LD Swanson were better players in HS than Ike Diogu. PLease don't tell me he was a monster in HS because GHS did absolutely nothing in the postseason. He got bigger and stronger and therefore better when he went to ASU. I wasn't knocking him....he sucks fantasy wise, and is a starter on my roto league team!

I never said one gd thing about South's superiority in football.

I also was responding to two or three Owl fans who were talking noise about basketball.

Take some xanax, people!

[GoOwls]

exactly......Longview 350 yds offense/Garland 150 yds offense....sad when you dominate a game like that lose....

Yes, it is sad to dominate between the 20's and not be able to close the deal as opposed to being opportunistic and winning. Between the 20's don't mean much if you don't score.

[LeanderLions3033]

LeanderLions3033,

Oopppss..is that your bu** crack showing???? You obviously know nothing about the kicker or kicking for that matter. If you did, you would never have talked trash about this young man......one of the nicest kids you could ever meet.

'Coach Gideon could pick someone from soccer'....hahaha....the best three soccer players are the KICKER, the backup kicker, and the kicker's little bro (JV Kicker).

I think when we did stats for colleges, he was extremely accurate...like missed 2 field goals and one extra point from 7-11 grades including several extra points and field goals on varsity. Did you notice he was on the varsity roster last year? Coach couldn't pick between the two kickers, so this one went down to JV to kick full time and play on the field...other kicker was a senior....they were friends...it was the right thing to do.

Besides the blocks, I think he only missed one field goal this year...a 47 yarder that was right on target but fell short because he was trying to kick it too high so that it wouldn't get blocked.....line couldn't hold for the first three games of the season....coach changed out some personnel and things got better. Maybe you should watch some film of the kicks...we did....very enlightening. Either the line wasn't holding or in the case against Garland, the ball fell off the tee or never made it to the tee many times this year also.....shoot the extra point that was blocked was at least a foot in front of the tee. But, I'm sure you could've made those kicks with the ball falling down or laying flat on the ground ..... haha!

This kid took crap from people like you in the stands all year knowing it usually wasn't his fault and still never said one negative thing about his teammates or the bubbas in the stands yelling...'we need another kicker', 'we need another quarterback', 'get your head out coach', etc.

When we told him some jerk was nailing him on this website, he just smiled...kinda like he'll be doing next year while your sitting in your lazyboy watching him on TV. Maybe we can get our KICKER to teach you how to be a man or at least know what you're talking about.

Thanks to all the fans who traveled and SUPPORTED the team!
Nothing against your son Mrs. Mimbella, but your son had been the Achilles' heel of the team all year. I took stats and watched plenty of film for the entire year, and about half of his kicks that were blocked were his very own fault (kicking it too low, and mistiming). And there were two kickers on the roster last year because nobody was sure whether or not Robert Georgefski would be back, cause when he was back the job was his no question about it. I didn't get on here to start an argument, but if you would like your son to be a better kicker then just send him to a few kicking camps like Robert and Pedro went to. Sorry for causing all that heartache that you seem to be going through.

[LHSFAN07]

LL3033,,

WTF??? ....nevermind, defnitely a never was!!!

[LionVarsityCheer]

if you want to talk about breaks, talk about how leander got back the onside kick and didnt get a touchdown... Garland recieved breaks, but so did leander. Big breaks that could have won the game but didnt. Garland came BOOMING. im pullin for yall, G

[G-WHAT06]

if you want to talk about breaks, talk about how leander got back the onside kick and didnt get a touchdown... Garland recieved breaks, but so did leander. Big breaks that could have won the game but didnt. Garland came BOOMING. im pullin for yall, G

Thank you for seeing that. Great game, good luck to y'all next year.

[LeanderLions3033]

if you want to talk about breaks, talk about how leander got back the onside kick and didnt get a touchdown... Garland recieved breaks, but so did leander. Big breaks that could have won the game but didnt. Garland came BOOMING. im pullin for yall, G
Agreed. After the Cove loss last year, i don't think i could have said the same. But i can truthfuly say that i will be rooting for Garland the rest of the way.

[Leander 6136]

Agreed. After the Cove loss last year, i don't think i could have said the same. But i can truthfuly say that i will be rooting for Garland the rest of the way.


I agree. Not only is Garland a class act but it would feel better knowing we got knocked out by the eventual state champ in a close game.

[gold32007]

I agree. Not only is Garland a class act but it would feel better knowing we got knocked out by the eventual state champ in a close game.


Thanx to all of you for ur support and if your not doin nuthin on sat come and see us win lol YA RIGHT lol im not askin for u guys to come but thanx for the support

[owlfan 1]

It would be nice if a few Leander folks made the trip - but the well-wishes are appreciated...